才
cái
Only then, just
How to say “only” with 才 (cái) for small numbers
Subj. + 才 (cái) + Number + MW
才 (cái) — only, small number
HSK 3Adverbs
Subj. + 才 (cái) + Number + MW
HSK 3Adverbs才 (cái) — only, small number
Rule structure
才 (cái) + Number emphasizes that a number is surprisingly small, often implying "only" or "as little as".
Rule structure
才 (cái) + Number emphasizes that a number is surprisingly small, often implying "only" or "as little as".
Examples
他才五岁。
Tā cái wǔ suì.
He is only five years old.
她才六岁。
Tā cái liùsuì.
She is only six years old.
我才三岁。
Wǒ cái sānsuì.
I am only three years old.
Examples
他才五岁。
Tā cái wǔ suì.
He is only five years old.
她才六岁。
Tā cái liùsuì.
She is only six years old.
我才三岁。
Wǒ cái sānsuì.
I am only three years old.
Practice
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “only, small number” in Chinese with 才?
Use the structure: Subj. + 才 (cái) + Number + MW. For example: 他才五岁。 — “He is only five years old”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他才五岁。 — “He is only five years old”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.
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More HSK 3 grammar rules
一边 — doing two things at once
一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 1, 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 2
终于 — finally
Subj. + 终于 (zhōngyú) + Verb + 了 (le)
总是 — always
总是 (zǒngshì) + Predicate
几乎 — nearly, almost
Subj. + 几乎 (jīhū) + Verb/Adj.
又 — again in the past
又 (yòu) + Verb + 了 (le)
才 — lateness, “not until”
Subj. + Time + 才 (cái) + Verb
只 — only, just
Subj. + 只 (zhǐ) + Verb + Obj.
先 — first… then…
先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……